Large fungating squamous cell carcinoma of the penis

Description

A man presented with a 1-year history of a progressively worsening penile skin lesion. Over the preceding 2 months, he reported
passage of urine from two distinct exit points on the distal penis. There were associated low grade penile pain, dysuria,
spraying of urine on micturition, daytime urinary frequency, nocturia of three, the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
and contact bleeding at the distal penis. On presentation, there was a 6 cm circumferential fungating lesion on the distal
penis. There was evidence of superficial spreading. The lesion extended 8 cm proximally. There was evidence of ulceration
and contact bleeding. It was not possible to identify the external urethral meatus (figures 1 and 2). There was no associated inguinal lymphadenopathy. Biopsy showed invasive, well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.
An inguinal ultrasound was negative for lymphadenopathy. A staging CT scan of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis showed no evidence
of metastatic disease. A total penectomy and formation of a perineal urethrostomy was performed (figures 3–5). The pathological specimen showed an invasive, well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The tumour measured 9 cm in
length and 6 cm in diameter. The carcinoma invaded into the subepithelial connective tissue and the underlying corpus cavernosa.
There was no evidence of vascular or urethral invasion. The proximal resection margins were free of tumour. The specimen was
classified as pT2 N0 M0. The patient made an uneventful recovery. Routine follow-up is scheduled at 6 months intervals for
the first 2 years, and yearly thereafter to 2 years. It shall consist of a thorough physical examination.